MasterChef judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris will not return

MasterChef judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris have opened up on their decision to walk away from the hit Network 10 show at the conclusion of tonight’s season finale.

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All three MasterChef judges, Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, will not return for a 12th season, revealing the trio couldn’t agree on a new contract with Channel 10.

The network made the announcement this afternoon that the three chefs would not return after tonight’s season finale. It follows pressure to sack Calombaris after it was revealed he underpaid staff from his MAdE Establishment nearly $8 million.

MasterChef judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston returned for an 11th season. Supplied by Channel 10.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Network 10 chief executive officer Paul Anderson said contract negotiations were the reason for the separation.

“Despite months of negotiation, 10 has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George,” he said.

“We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years.”

Despite the three personalities being synonymous with the MasterChef brand, the show will continue with new judges, however there is no word on who.

“MasterChef Australia has always been about ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things for the love of food and we believe it is very important to continue that ethos,” Mr Anderson said.

The three have been judges for 11 years. Pic Mark Cranitch.

Hours after the official announcement, Preston thanked fans and Network 10 in a lengthy goodbye posted on social media.

“We have loved every single moment,” Preston said.

“It is however with a heavy heart that I can confirm that season 11 was our last.

We were really keen to continue but we were unable to agree to all terms for the new contract”.

“We three judges have formed a lifelong friendship that will live on far beyond the show.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you and everyone who has shared our amazing journey with us — especially all those fantastic contestants.

“I don’t want to take any gloss off tonight’s well deserved winner so I will not be making any further comment.”

There have been calls to sack Calombaris. Picture: Tina Smigielski

The season 11 finale and final season the three judges are involved with will take place tonight.